Rockford Brake Manufacturing spends $6.6 million to reopen shuttered factory, hire 150

Rockford Brake Manufacturing, a startup brake manufacturer founded by four former employees of the Gunite Corporation, will acquire Gunite’s idled Rockford, Illinois location and reopen it. According to an announcement from the Illinois Governor’s office, the startup will receive a tax credit for agreeing to invest $6.6 million and create 150 full-time jobs at the site, which closed in February after Gunite Corporation’s parent company, Accuride, declared bankruptcy.

The deal means the new company will acquire the 619,000-square foot factory as well as its grey iron foundry and machine shop for manufacturing heavy-duty brake drums.

Terms of the development grant with the Illinois state government mean Rockford Brake Manufacturing can reduce its payroll withholding tax instead of its Illinois corporate income tax in exchange for hitting the agreed-upon investment and job creation figures.

What people are saying

“Here in Illinois, we strive to support our businesses and strengthen our communities through new economic opportunities — and that’s exactly what we’re doing in Rockford. Our state incentives are empowering Rockford Brake Manufacturing to bring 150 jobs to the area and reopen a historic Rockford factory,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to see this factory continue its legacy in manufacturing, all while supporting the area and promoting sustainability.”

“The investment of the State of Illinois through the EDGE for startups program is critical to the launch and future success of Rockford Brake Manufacturing,” said Rockford Brake Manufacturing CEO, Paul Wright. “We are thankful for the support of our local elected officials and our partners at the State of Illinois to help us bring skilled well-paying jobs to Rockford through direct employment along with the considerable economic impact Rockford Brake Manufacturing brings to the region.”

“I’m immensely proud of this project for breathing new life into a company that once—and will again—have a rich history and place in Rockford. The Pritzker-Stratton administration is committed to restoring opportunity and ensuring every community across our state is a place where businesses thrive and families build bright futures,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.

“Rockford is proud to be home to a true American comeback story. A closed factory and laid-off workers came together to rebuild, rehire and reclaim their place in automotive manufacturing. That’s true resilience,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.

Manufacturers investing in Illinois

Pure Lithium Corp. battery co opens new Chicago HQ, announces pilot production line
The company hopes to supplant lithium-ion batteries with superior lithium-metal batteries.

J.L. Clark invests $10M to expand custom packaging manufacturing facility in Illinois
The company plans to grow its Rockford workforce by 40% over the next year through a mix of salary, hourly, and temporary positions. 

Rivian invests $120M to build electric vehicle supplier park in Illinois
The park will co-locate suppliers producing components for Rivian’s R1, R2, and commercial vehicle models. 

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025 

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.